Subject Name Programming with Problem Solving

Subject Code 25CSH-107

Semester 1

LESSON-1 INTRODUCTION TO FLOWCHARTS

LESSON OBJECTIVES

• To learn basic symbols of flowcharts

• To learn how to create flowcharts on different platforms
STRUCTURE OF THE LESSON

• Definition of Flowchart
• Use of Flowchart
• Understanding Flowchart symbols
• How to draw Flowcharts
• Summary
• FAQs
• References
Introduction
This flowchart tutorial will teach you all you need to know. It will cover the flowchart symbols,
how to create flowchart, flowchart best practices and we’ve also included a section to answer
frequent questions about flowcharts. So let's start.
What Is a Flowchart?
A flowchart is simply a graphical representation of steps. It shows steps in sequential order
and is widely used in presenting the flow of algorithms, workflow or processes. Typically, a
flowchart shows the steps as boxes of various kinds, and their order by connecting them with
arrows. Programmers often use it as a program-planning tool to solve a problem. The process
of drawing a flowchart for an algorithm is known as “flowcharting”.
What is the Use of a Flowchart?
Flowcharts are probably the most popular diagram type in the world. So it pays to know how
to read a flowchart. You can use them to
• Improve your processes by identifying bottlenecks and defects
• Communicate/explain a process to someone
• Easily visualize complex processes
For example, following is the simplest flowchart. Try to understand the symbols we have used
for each type of instruction.
 Figure 1. Basic Flowchart

Understanding Flowchart Symbols

Misunderstanding flowchart symbols are certainly something that could leave you in a
quandary. The basic flowchart symbols are diamonds and rectangles. However, there are
much more symbols you can use to add more meaning to your flowchart.
While there is no strict protocol as such when it comes to using boxes, circles, diamonds or
such symbols in drawing a flowchart, they do help you to illustrate and make sense of the
types of events in the chart with more clarity. Described below are standard symbols along
with a visual representation right below.
1. Data object – The Data object, often referred to as the I/O Shape shows the Inputs to
and Outputs from a process.
2. Rectangle – This is used to represent an event which is controlled within the process.
Typically this will be a step or action which is taken.
3. Diamond – Used to represent a decision point in the process. Typically, the statement
in the symbol will require a `yes’ or `no’ response and branch to different parts of the
flowchart accordingly.
4. Document – The Document object is a rectangle with a wave-like base. This shape is
used to represent a Document or Report in a process flow.
 5. Rounded box – This is used to represent an event which occurs automatically. Such
an event will trigger a subsequent action, for example, receive a telephone call, or
describe a new state of affairs.
6. Stored data – This is a general data storage object used in the process flow as opposed
to data which could be also stored on a hard drive, magnetic tape, memory card, of
any other storage device.
7. Manual input – This object is represented by a rectangle with the top sloping up from
left to right. The Manual Input object signifies an action where the user is prompted
for information that must be manually inputted into a system.
8. Direct data – Direct data object in a process flow represents information stored which
can be accessed directly. This object represents a computer’s hard drive.
9. Circle – Used to represent a point at which the flowchart connects with another
process. The name or reference for the other process should appear within the
symbol.
10. Internal storage – This is an object which is commonly found in programming
flowcharts to illustrate the information stored in memory, as opposed to on a file.
11. Predefined process – This allows you to write one subroutine and call it as often as
you like from anywhere in the code.
How to Draw a Flowchart

Figure 2 Template of Flowchart

Whether you’re drawing on a whiteboard or making a flowchart online, there are a three main
steps to take into consideration — plus some flowchart best practices, of course.
1. Lay out each step of your process with a shape.
2. Connect the shapes with lines that show how those steps flow.
3. Organize and emphasize key steps by adding color or design elements.

There are a large number of shapes used in drawing flowcharts and process flows. Choosing
which to use can be confusing. We are here to help with that.
With this list, you can figure out the most commonly used flowchart symbols as well as those
that are little-known.
Terminal / Terminator

The terminator shows where your process begins or ends. You can use words like ‘Start’,
'Begin', 'End' inside the terminator shape to make things more obvious.

Figure 3. Start/End of Flowchart

Process / Rectangle

Flowchart process shape is used to represent a process, action step or an operation. While
these are pictured with rectangles, the text in the rectangle mostly includes a verb. For
example, ‘Edit Video’, ‘Try Again’, ‘Choose Your Plan’.n'.

Figure 4. Representing Process

Data (I/O)

The Data object, often referred to as the I/O Shape shows the Inputs to and Outputs from a
process. This takes the shape of a parallelogram.

Figure 5 Data object

Decision / Conditional

Decision shape is represented as a Diamond. This object is always used in a process flow to
ask a question. And, the answer to the question determines the arrows coming out of the
Diamond. This shape is quite unique with two arrows coming out of it. One from the bottom
point corresponding to Yes or True and one from either the right/left point corresponding to
No or False. The arrows should always be labeled to avoid confusion in the process flow.

Figure 6 Decision object

Document

Document object is a rectangle with a wave-like base. This shape is used to represent a
Document or Report in a process flow.
 Figure 7 Document object
Stored Data

This is a general data storage object used in the process flow as opposed to data which could
be also stored on a hard drive, magnetic tape, memory card, of any other storage device.

Figure 8 Stored Data object

Direct Data

Direct Data object in a process flow represents information stored which can be accessed
directly. This object represents a computer's hard drive.

Figure 9 Direct Data object

Internal Storage
This is a shape which is commonly found in programming flowcharts to illustrate the
information stored in memory, as opposed to on a file. This shape is often referred to as the
magnetic core memory of early computers; or the random access memory (RAM) as we call
it today.

Figure 10 Internal Storage object

Sequential Access

This object takes the shape of a reel of tape. It represents information stored in a sequence,
such as data on a magnetic tape.

Figure 11 Sequential Access

Manual Input

This object is represented by rectangle with the top sloping up from left to right. The Manual
Input object signifies an action where the user is prompted for information that must be
manually input into a system.

Figure 12 Manual Input

Subroutine / Predefined Process

This shape takes two names - 'Subroutine' or 'Predefined Process'. Its called a subroutine if
you use this object in flowcharting a software program. This allows you to write one
subroutine and call it as often as you like from anywhere in the code.
The same object is also called a Predefined Process. This means the flowchart for the
predefined process has to be already drawn, and you should reference the flowchart for more
information.

Figure 13 Subroutine

Summary

• A flowchart is simply a graphical representation of steps. It shows steps in sequential

order and is widely used in presenting the flow of algorithms, workflow or processes.
• You can use them to improve your processes by identifying bottlenecks and defects,
communicate/explain a process to someone, and easily visualize complex processes.
• Whether you’re drawing on a whiteboard or making a flowchart online, there are a
three main steps to take into consideration — plus some flowchart best practices, of
course:; Lay out each step of your process with a shape, connect the shapes with lines
that show how those steps flow, organize and emphasize key steps by adding color or
design elements.
• Basic symbols used are: Oval shape to start/ end the flowchart, rectangle to illustrate
process, diamond to illustrate condition, arrow to represent direction of flow,
parallelogram to represent input/output, and on-page and off-page connectors.

Frequently Asked Questions about Flowchart

Some of the most frequently asked questions are:
Q1: What is a sub-process in a flowchart?
Answer: Sometimes complex processes are broken down into smaller sub-processes for
clarity. So a flowchart can point to a different sub process within its flow. The predefined
process symbol is used to show such sub-processes.
Q2: How are flowcharts used in computer programming?
Answer: A computer program consists many processes and flows. Flowcharts are used to
visualize the processes and make it understandable for nontechnical people. They are also
used to visualize algorithms and comprehend pseudo code which is used in programming.
Q3: Which online tools can I use to create flowcharts?
Answer: There are numerous tools which you can find easily. Some of them are: Visual
Paradigm, Gliffy, and Creately
Q4: Draw the flowchart to represent medical services in a hospital.
Answer: Medical Service Flowchart
This is a hospital flowchart example that shows how clinical cases shall be processed. This
flowchart uses decision shapes intensively in representing alternative flows.

Figure 14 Medical Service Flowchart

Q5: Draw the flowchart to represent the sum of two numbers.
Answer:
A flowchart can also be used in visualizing algorithms, regardless of its complexity. Here is an
example that shows how flowchart can be used in showing a simple summation process.
Figure 15 Sum of two numbers flowchart

Q6: Draw the flowchart to calculate profit and Loss.

Answer: Flowchart –Calculate Profit and Loss
The flowchart example below shows how profit and loss can be calculated.
 Figure 16 Flowchart- Net Profit/ Loss

References:
Books:

• Balagurusamy, E. (2010). Fundamentals of Computer. Beijing: Tsinghua University

Press. Websites
Websites:

• Colourbox. (2019). Computer ports type, ... | Stock vector | Colourbox. [online]
Available at: https://www.colourbox.com/vector/computer-ports-type-vector-
illustration-vector-6161708 [Accessed 31 May 2019].
 • Rapidtables.com. (2019). Online Calculators & Tools - RapidTables.com. [online]
Available at: https://www.rapidtables.com/ [Accessed 17 May 2019].
• Computer Intro.. [online] Ecomputernotes.com. Available at:
http://ecomputernotes.com/fundamental/introduction-to-computer/ [Accessed 31
May 2019].
YouTube Links:

• Introduction to Creating Flowcharts:

• Introduction to Flowchart Symbols

https://youtu.be/kxZJv56BxU8